Why aren't Chinese cars allowed in US?

1,875 Views | 36 Replies | Last: 4 hrs ago by YouBet
easttexasaggie04
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
10:26p, 12/27/25
AG
I'll start by saying I'm totally fine with not having Chinese cars here… I'm just curious why. We allow pretty much everything else to be made in China, why not our automobiles? I have to admit some of the Chinese cars I see are pretty dang awesome… and inexpensive.

Is it to protect our automakers from less expensive Chinese cars? But we already have that with Kia and Hyundai.

We don't like the communist regime? Then almost every product on the aisle is made by the same regime.

I own machine shop that produces parts for a large semi- truck maker. They've sent a ton of our work to China in the last 2 years. Thankfully most of our work is in munitions. However I hate to see the work leave Texas and go over there.
Reply Quote
2 edits
maroon barchetta
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
7:36a, 12/28/25
Because they are all spies.
Reply Quote
30
TecRecAg
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
7:38a, 12/28/25
AG
Legit question because I don't know the answer….

How much of it is the US not wanting Chinese cars vs. Chinese companies not wanting to build cars to US standards?
Reply Quote
1
TXAG 05
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
7:39a, 12/28/25
AG
I'd assume they don't meet our safety standards.
Reply Quote
22
FirstOnRaceDayAg
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to TXAG 05 • 8:05a, 12/28/25
AG
TXAG 05 said:
I'd assume they don't meet our safety standards.


Safety standards and possibly emissions requirements
Reply Quote
16
ForeverAg
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
8:47a, 12/28/25
AG
Not sure on the why, I imagine lobbyist play a huge role to protect American automakers however I drove a BYD suv in a foreign country and it was a great experience. I would get one if available in the US. Seeing the interior fully optioned put like a regular SUV as opposed to the bland interiors of Teslas and Rivians and the like made such a big difference.
Reply Quote
1
Dr. Nefario
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:37a, 12/28/25
Auto industry lobbyists
US safety standards
US emissions requirements
Lack of dealer network infrastructure
High tariffs
Lack of interest due to poor perception by US consumers

Honestly, you don't want a Chinese car. They're cheap because they're cheaply made. They make some really attractive vehicles, but cheap plastics, cheap paint, cheap electronics, and minimal quality control will make a Chinese car with 75k miles feel like a Japanese car with 200k+ miles. They degrade very quickly. We talk about modern vehicles being disposable, but Chinese vehicles are literally intended to be disposable. The data my company keeps on its rental fleet backs all this up, and my own personal experience driving or riding in GAC, Chery, BYD, Jetour, and Geely confirm it.
“You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.” -Abraham Lincoln

“Veganism is like communism. They’re both fine… unless you like food.”
Reply Quote
7
YouBet
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
10:24a, 12/28/25
AG
Because it would destroy US car companies. Seems pretty obvious, no?

China has 200+ car companies all backed by the CCP. The EU has a current problem with China dumping their cars into their market because China can't consume their own supply, domestically.

If you allow Chinese cars into our market, you will have vehicles at prices that severely undercut all other car companies. Never mind the risk of spyware and malware that will absolutely.be built into these cars. I would never own one no matter how cheap or "good" they are.
Reply Quote
14
Silvy
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
10:36a, 12/28/25
AG
Dr. Nefario said:
They make some really attractive vehicles, but cheap plastics, cheap paint, cheap electronics, and minimal quality control
Are you talking about domestic cars or Chinese cars here
Reply Quote
2
Buck Turgidson
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:51p, 12/28/25
Part protectionism and part consumer safety issues. It would be bad for BYD to start dumping $25k cars in the US. By the time the market figured out how crappy the quality was, the damage to US companies would be done.
Reply Quote
1
maroon barchetta
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Buck Turgidson • 2:54p, 12/28/25
Buck Turgidson said:
Part protectionism and part consumer safety issues. It would be bad for BYD to start dumping $25k cars in the US. By the time the market figured out how crappy the quality was, the damage to US companies would be done.


$50k tariff per car would offset the savings
Reply Quote
3
easttexasaggie04
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
5:27p, 12/28/25
AG
I guess my question was why were the Chinese allowed to destroy so many other US markets but automobile industry is off limits? Do auto makers just have better lobbyists?
Reply Quote
1
AgCPA95
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to easttexasaggie04 • 5:35p, 12/28/25
AG
easttexasaggie04 said:
I guess my question was why were the Chinese allowed to destroy so many other US markets but automobile industry is off limits? Do auto makers just have better lobbyists?


That is the primary reason IMO. Look how regulated vehicles are with endless safety requirement and rules at the federal level and then things like dealership regulations (TX) at the state level.

Reply Quote
1
maroon barchetta
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to AgCPA95 • 5:40p, 12/28/25
AgCPA95 said:
easttexasaggie04 said:
I guess my question was why were the Chinese allowed to destroy so many other US markets but automobile industry is off limits? Do auto makers just have better lobbyists?


That is the primary reason IMO. Look how regulated vehicles are with endless safety requirement and rules at the federal level and then things like dealership regulations (TX) at the state level.



Would anybody believe any safety test data from china?
Reply Quote
6
Kenneth_2003
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
10:15p, 12/28/25
AG
YOU don't see Chinese airplanes here either, same with Russian.
Reply Quote
2
Jock 07
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
11:16p, 12/28/25
AG
Because

Reply Quote
9
Blonde Coffee Beans
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
12:01a, 12/29/25
Their cars require everyone to be the same, taking your hard earned money and spreading it evenly among the population.
"I don't care about your feelings OP. I'm not going to let fandom replace reason, thought, and history"
Reply Quote
ghollow
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
10:39a, 12/29/25
AG
Interesting topic. Several years ago I had the opportunity to tour the GM plant in Arlington Texas. At that time, this plant was producing Escalades. If you bought an Escalade, it came from this plant. At the time of our visit, they were producing Escalades to be sent to China. When asked what the difference was between China Escalades and other, he told us other than the obvious stuff like gauges and controls being in Chinese, it mainly had to do with safety equipment and emissions equipment. He told us that no other country in the world has as strict of safety and emission standards as the USA has. That is why there are many versions of cars that are built by foreign manufacturers that are not sold in the USA. It was not worth their effort to try and make them meet USA standards. The Toyota HiLux truck is a good example. We were also told that the plant spends two months every year making just Chinese Escalades. I believe he said that they produce around 1500 vehicles per day, everyday.
So the greatest civilization is one where all citizens are equally armed and can only be persuaded, never forced. It removes force from the equation... and that's why carrying a gun is a civilized act.
Reply Quote
1 edit
cav14
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Dr. Nefario • 11:16a, 12/29/25
Dr. Nefario said:
Auto industry lobbyists
US safety standards
US emissions requirements
Lack of dealer network infrastructure
High tariffs
Lack of interest due to poor perception by US consumers

Honestly, you don't want a Chinese car. They're cheap because they're cheaply made. They make some really attractive vehicles, but cheap plastics, cheap paint, cheap electronics, and minimal quality control will make a Chinese car with 75k miles feel like a Japanese car with 200k+ miles. They degrade very quickly. We talk about modern vehicles being disposable, but Chinese vehicles are literally intended to be disposable. The data my company keeps on its rental fleet backs all this up, and my own personal experience driving or riding in GAC, Chery, BYD, Jetour, and Geely confirm it.

Or how about let the people and free market decide if Chinese vehicles are worth their cheap asking price? With the average price of vehicles now going over $50k, there are many people that would be perfectly fine with any vehicle that can just get them from point A to point B and nothing else. They do not need the government to dictate to them that their vehicles require X amount of safety features or X amount of emissions standards... all of which jacks up the price of vehicles in the first place.
Reply Quote
Dr. Nefario
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to cav14 • 1:26p, 12/29/25
I just stated the barriers to entry that Chinese car makers face, I didn't say I agree with them or that they shouldn't be sold here.

But I stand by my statement that Chinese cars are hot garbage, so I can't bring myself to care all that much that they're not sold in the US.
“You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.” -Abraham Lincoln

“Veganism is like communism. They’re both fine… unless you like food.”
Reply Quote
easttexasaggie04
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
2:23p, 12/29/25
AG
Is the Arlington GM plant still open? I know the Shreveport GM plant closed.
Reply Quote
akaggie05
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to easttexasaggie04 • 2:47p, 12/29/25
AG
Yes. All full size GM SUVs are made there, and only there (Suburban, Yukon, Tahoe, Escalade).
Reply Quote
1 edit
drumboy
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
3:23p, 12/29/25
AG
Didn't 1Ags live & drive in China for a while?


1Ags, how are the Chinese cars? I've heard good things about BYD and at a good price.
Reply Quote
1agswitchin4lanes
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to TecRecAg • 4:54p, 12/29/25
AG
TecRecAg said:
Legit question because I don't know the answer….

How much of it is the US not wanting Chinese cars vs. Chinese companies not wanting to build cars to US standards?



This.

Having lived in China and driven both global chassis vehicles (Lacrosse, Mondeo, Santa Fe, Camry, NMS Passat,) as well as Chinese market only, there's a stark difference in quality, materials, feel, and structure. Can the Chinese build a car that would work in the USA and meet all NHTSA and govt standards? Yes. Would it be priced aggressively enough for people buy it? Probably not.

We already have the Lincoln Nautilus and Burrick Envision here. Volvo was importing certain S60s to the USA from China.

Chinese manufacturers love borrowing/licensing from borrowed engines, transmissions and platforms. Some of them ancient. Buick still sells a Chevy venture/updlander
Based "luxury minivan" and tons of Chinese manufacturing with FAW are now using this shell to make their own vans. They drive close to the original but the steel and structure you can just feel isn't as solid or tight

I leased a Great Wall Wingle 6 Euro Edition pickup truck when I was there. It was based off the Isuzu D max, used a Hyundai licensed/FAW built Hyundai turbodiesel engine without Variable vane turbo, used LOTS of 2004ish era Chevy Colorado trim pieces, VW flip key, and a T4R/sequoia steering wheel. 6 speed manual and crew cab.

It was as fun as it was awful. It felt completely flimsy and cheap. But light and flingable.





Reply Quote
1
YouBet
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to 1agswitchin4lanes • 5:42p, 12/29/25
AG
Funny you drove a Chinese "truck" in China with a Former Students sticker on it. Lol.
Reply Quote
3
1agswitchin4lanes
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to YouBet • 5:50p, 12/29/25
AG
YouBet said:
Funny you drove a Chinese "truck" in China with a Former Students sticker on it. Lol.


And a Doss sticker
Reply Quote
9
Jock 07
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to YouBet • 6:09p, 12/29/25
AG
YouBet said:
Funny you drove a Chinese "truck" in China with a Former Students sticker on it. Lol.

The Tommy Vaughn one was the one that really got me
Reply Quote
10
txyaloo
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to cav14 • 6:14p, 12/29/25
AG
cav14 said:
Dr. Nefario said:
Auto industry lobbyists
US safety standards
US emissions requirements
Lack of dealer network infrastructure
High tariffs
Lack of interest due to poor perception by US consumers

Honestly, you don't want a Chinese car. They're cheap because they're cheaply made. They make some really attractive vehicles, but cheap plastics, cheap paint, cheap electronics, and minimal quality control will make a Chinese car with 75k miles feel like a Japanese car with 200k+ miles. They degrade very quickly. We talk about modern vehicles being disposable, but Chinese vehicles are literally intended to be disposable. The data my company keeps on its rental fleet backs all this up, and my own personal experience driving or riding in GAC, Chery, BYD, Jetour, and Geely confirm it.

Or how about let the people and free market decide if Chinese vehicles are worth their cheap asking price? With the average price of vehicles now going over $50k, there are many people that would be perfectly fine with any vehicle that can just get them from point A to point B and nothing else. They do not need the government to dictate to them that their vehicles require X amount of safety features or X amount of emissions standards... all of which jacks up the price of vehicles in the first place.

I'm with you for loosening emissions and some safety standards on domestically produced vehicles, but at some point national security trumps the free market.

These vehicles, especially the EVs, don't belong on American roads. You effectively want to give the CCP free reign to put internet connected spying devices with massive batteries, a suit of cameras, microphones, and sensors PLUS two way communications that allow remote transmissions back to China as well as CCP provided software updates (with no US governmental oversight) on every street in America. That should be 100% non-negotiable.
Reply Quote
8
drumboy
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:45a
AG
Not Chinese, but I saw several Ford Everests in Vietnam and thought they'd sell well here. Similar size to the Explorer but looks better.

Reply Quote
3
Aggietaco
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to drumboy • 10:05a
AG
It's body on frame which our soft American bodies don't like for CUV/SUV's.
Reply Quote
1
drumboy
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Aggietaco • 10:34a
AG
Aggietaco said:
It's body on frame which our soft American bodies don't like for CUV/SUV's.

True, I felt like Ford decided to compete w/ the 4Runner.
Reply Quote
carl spacklers hat
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:24p
Because ChiComms. I try to avoid China-made as much as possible, which is an impossible task but I'm trying to do my small part.
People think I'm an idiot or something, because all I do is cut lawns for a living.
Reply Quote
4
txyaloo
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to drumboy • 2:26p
AG
drumboy said:
Not Chinese, but I saw several Ford Everests in Vietnam and thought they'd sell well here. Similar size to the Explorer but looks better.


They are here. It's called the Bronco Sport. It was just reskinned/rebadged for the US market

Reply Quote
drumboy
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to txyaloo • 2:32p
AG
txyaloo said:
drumboy said:
Not Chinese, but I saw several Ford Everests in Vietnam and thought they'd sell well here. Similar size to the Explorer but looks better.


They are here. It's called the Bronco Sport. It was just reskinned/rebadged for the US market


The Everest seemed a bit bigger, and mentioned above body on frame.
Reply Quote
Dr. Nefario
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to txyaloo • 3:04p
txyaloo said:
drumboy said:
Not Chinese, but I saw several Ford Everests in Vietnam and thought they'd sell well here. Similar size to the Explorer but looks better.


They are here. It's called the Bronco Sport. It was just reskinned/rebadged for the US market



100% false.

The Bronco Sport is a unibody CUV and shares the C2 platform with the Escape and Maverick. The Everest is a body-on-frame SUV built on the Ranger's T6 platform.
“You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.” -Abraham Lincoln

“Veganism is like communism. They’re both fine… unless you like food.”
Reply Quote
3
Page 1 of 2 ▼
 
×
subscribe Verify your student status
See Subscription Benefits
Trial only available to users who have never subscribed or participated in a previous trial.